Build Your Ingredient Library: Must-Haves for Makers & Skincare Lovers

Whether you're an experienced formulator or just starting your DIY skincare journey, creating a signature ingredient library is one of the best ways to elevate your creations.

From body butters to facial serums, having your go-to ingredients on hand helps you:

• Save time and money

• Ensure consistency in your recipes

• Develop a recognizable “feel” to your products

• Formulate with more confidence and creativity

Let’s walk through some high-performing, multi-use ingredients to keep stocked—perfect for both small-batch hobbyists and growing skincare brands.

Carrier Oils: Versatile, Skin-Loving Bases

These oils form the heart of most skincare blends. Think facial oils, body oils, balms, and creamy emulsions.

• Jojoba Oil (Golden or Clear)
  Mimics skin's natural sebum, super stable, and non-comedogenic.
  Great for: Serums, oil cleansers, emulsions.

• Sweet Almond Oil
  Rich in vitamin E and oleic acid; softening, gentle, and quick-absorbing.
  Great for: Baby oils, massage blends, facial serums.

• Squalane (Olive-Derived)
  Lightweight, non-greasy, loved by all skin types.
  Great for: Face oils, serums, oil-to-milk cleansers.

Humectants: Hydration Heroes

These ingredients attract and hold moisture, making them essential for healthy, glowing skin.

• Glycerin (Vegetable-Derived)
  Budget-friendly, ultra-hydrating, and formulation-friendly.
  Use in: Creams, toners, gels.
• Hyaluronic Acid (Low–High MW)
  Lightweight, plumping hydration that layers beautifully.
  Use in: Serums, masks, lotions.
  ✨ Pro Tip: Use low molecular weight HA with GHK-Cu peptides for deeper delivery.
  

• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
  Hydrating, soothing, and barrier-strengthening.
  Use in: Serums, mists, scalp treatments.

Actives & Extracts: The Boosters

These ingredients add performance, targeting specific skin concerns like dullness, sensitivity, or breakouts.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
  Brightens, evens tone, supports barrier health.
  Great in: Serums, creams, body lotions.

• Green Tea Extract
  Antioxidant-rich, soothing, and clarifying.
  Great in: Calming serums, oily/acne-prone formulas.

• Propolis Extract G (in glycerin)
  Healing, antimicrobial, and rich in bioflavonoids.
  Great in: Spot treatments, masks, moisturizers.

Botanical Oils & Butters

These pull double duty—nourishing like a carrier and delivering results like an active.

• Sea Buckthorn Oil (Fruit & Seed)
  Deeply regenerating and vitamin-rich.
  Use in: Repair serums, mature skin products.

• Tamanu Oil
  Anti-inflammatory, scar-reducing, and protective.
  Use in: Blemish balms, healing creams.

• Shea Butter
  Thick, creamy, and rich in vitamins A & E.
  Use in: Body butters, eczema care, balms.

• Mango Butter
  Lighter feel, rich in stearic acid and antioxidants.
  Use in: Whipped body creams, lip balms.

Functional Additives

Think of these as your formula’s support system—improving texture, shelf life, or soothing effects.

• Colloidal Oatmeal
  Anti-itch, calming, and barrier-restoring.
  Use in: Sensitive skin formulas, baby care.

• Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
  A natural antioxidant that also extends shelf life.
  Use in: Any oil-based product.

• Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano)
  Protective, soothing, and great for inflammation.
  Use in: Diaper creams, healing salves, sun care.

• Beeswax (Yellow or White)
  Adds structure, locks in moisture.
  Use in: Lip balms, lotion bars, salves.

• Leucidal® Liquid (Fermented Radish Root)
  ECOCERT natural preservative alternative.
  Use in: Serums, creams, water-based formulas.

Emulsifiers & Thickeners

These create stable and elegant textures, from silky creams to fluffy butters.

• Olivem 1000
  Plant-based emulsifier that nourishes skin while stabilizing.
  Use in: Creams, lotions, facial moisturizers.

• Arrowroot Powder
  Natural thickener with a soft-touch, powdery finish.
  Use in: Deodorants, body butters, balms.

Finishing Touches: Your Signature

A product’s soul lies in its scent, feel, and sensory magic.

• Essential Oils / Fragrance Oils
  Create your brand’s signature scent or experience.
  Use in: Everything from toners to balms.

• Blue Lotus Extract (Leucidal Preserved)
  Luxurious and soothing with a sensual aromatic profile.
  Use in: Premium face creams, mists, and oils.

Final Thoughts: Whether You’re Blending for Yourself or Your Brand

You don’t need hundreds of ingredients—just the right ones. Start with versatile, high-performance staples and add your own finishing touches. Whether you’re a hobbyist creating for your own skin or a formulator building a brand, your ingredient library is the core of your creativity.

Ready to Stock Up?

Explore Bulk Naturals Wholesale for all the essentials above—plus more formulation favorites.
👉 Shop Formulator Essentials